Description
Specimen consists of a slice of brain sectioned in the coronal plane. The most striking feature is
the pronounced cerebral oedema which has almost totally obliterated the lateral ventricle. The
meninges appear slightly cloudy and there is a mild degree of vascular congestion.
History
The patient was admitted with a short history of headache and confusion. Lumbar
puncture was performed and this suggested meningitis. A subsequent EEG was consistent with
encephalitis. Histologic examination of the meninges showed a variable infiltrate of lymphocytes
and macrophages. The infiltrate was most pronounced over the temporal lobe. There were also
perivascular collections of lymphocytes within the white and grey matter. The findings were those
of a meningoencephalitis which was probably of a viral aetiology.